Ambion's DNAZap Provides a Solution to Cross-Contamination Problems

Although the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized molecular biology, the benefits of exponential amplification have been accompanied by the necessity of avoiding nucleic acid contamination leading to false-positive results. This is especially true in the fields of diagnostics and forensics. Measures currently taken to avoid crossover contamination often fall short of this goal.

To meet this need, Ambion, Inc. has added to its catalog DNAZap (patent pending), a nucleic acid decontamination solution that effectively and efficiently degrades nucleic acids from all types of surfaces almost instantaneously without damaging expensive equipment or compromising PCR or other downstream enzymatic reactions. DNAZap can be used to decontaminate any surface, including thermocycler blocks and lids, pipettors, gloves, microcentrifuge tubes, tube racks, ice boxes, and work benches.

A PCR experiment demonstrating the effectiveness of DNAZap in rapidly removing contaminating DNA from PCR tubes is shown in Figure 1. Template DNA was dried down in several PCR tubes and then treated with distilled water as a negative control or with DNAZap for different periods of time. PCR carried out in these tubes treated with DNAZap did not yield any detectable products, even in tubes treated with DNAZap for as little as 2 minutes.

For a more complete description of DNAZap, click here.

For more information: Ambion, Inc., 2130 Woodward St., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78744. Tel: 800-888-8804.